When to take a cat sample to the vet?
Try to collect the sample the morning of your cat’s appointment. Store the sample in your refrigerator for no more than 24 hours. If you cannot get the sample to the vet within 6 hours, put it into the refrigerator right away and store it for up to 24 hours until you can submit it.
How often should I collect a stool sample from my kittens?
Collect and bring in a stool sample for any kittens you have the first time you take them to the vet and then any time your vet requests follow-up samples. Submit a sample for your adult cat once every 6 months. Your veterinarian will usually ask you to submit a stool sample whenever your cat goes in for a vaccination or checkup.
What should I consider before getting a second cat?
There are two important things to consider before adding a second cat to your family: your current cat’s age and his personality. People often ask me if they should get a kitten to help liven up their older cat. That’s probably a senior cat’s worst nightmare: his peaceful existence shattered by the antics of a wee ball of energy.
How old do cats have to be to be considered an elderly cat?
In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards. When caring for older cats it sometimes helps to appreciate their age in human terms.
What kind of tests do vets do on cats?
It is important that your vet do follow up tests to rule things out before giving a diagnosis and a treatment plan. Another type of tests that are commonly done at the veterinary office include diagnostic imaging. The most common type of imaging is, of course, the x-ray imaging.
Can a cat be tested for FIV before adoption?
Depending on where your animal came from, some of these tests may have already been done. For example, most animal shelters routinely test for FIV and FeLV before placing a cat in their adoption program. However, never assume and always check your pet’s medical record to find out what has already been done.
Can you get FeLV from a new cat?
If you already have a cat, you want to make sure that your new cat is free from FIV and FeLV. FIV can be transmitted by a bite or scratch from an infected cat and FeLV can be transmitted by sharing food and water bowls or even a litter box with an infected cat.
When to get a blood test for a new pet?
If you are adopting an older cat or dog, it is always a good idea to get screening blood tests. By definition, a screening blood test is a test done to detect disease before it shows manifestations and becomes symptomatic.